Sohra Government College, in collaboration with NESFAS, organised a one day workshop on Career Guidance and Counseling today on the theme ‘Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems – A game changing solution in the context of climate change”.
Charlotte Milbank, a Cambridge University research scholar, was the keynote speaker.
The main goal of this programme was to generate awareness and interest among college students regarding the importance of local food systems in the context of climate change and biodiversity.
The programme began with a welcome speech by A Lyngdoh, the college principal.
The college has more than 600 students and is the only one of its kind in a 50km radius. Students are mostly from rural areas, such as Khatarshnong, Pynursla, Shella and other distant villages.
Milbank presented her research that is focused on Meghalaya – ‘Wild Foods for Sustainable Food Security and Health within Indigenous People’s Food Systems’. She stressed on the scope of research and the biodiversity that the region has to offer.
The programme also highlighted how to build a cadre of local food youth enthusiasts to promote and defend their own local food and to make students aware about the importance of research and train them to be local researchers and to improve their employability skills.
Bhogtoram Mawroh, NESFAS senior associate, gave a presentation on ‘Indigenous Food System: A bulwark against biodiversity loss’. He pointed out that indigenous food systems are very important for adaptation to climate change and the youth will play a very important part in it as the responsibility for preserving and strengthening lies with them.
